Smile Politely
@smilepolitely.com
Champaign-Urbana’s Culture Magazine
UI-Con, Champaign-Urbana’s anime and comic convention is returning for its 3rd year, featuring cosplay, gaming, panels, performances, and raves
UI-Con returning for 3rd year - SPlog
UI-Con, Champaign-Urbana’s anime and comic convention is returning for its 3rd year. On January 30 and 31, attendees will get the opportunity to gather at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center to...
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January 23, 2026 at 2:18 PM
UI-Con, Champaign-Urbana’s anime and comic convention is returning for its 3rd year, featuring cosplay, gaming, panels, performances, and raves
For determined all-season runners, Meadowbrook Park in Urbana is the standout star among local trails. It has many of the amenities I look for in a winter route—designated shelters, wide, paved paths, ample parking, and plenty of direct sunlight.
Meadowbrook Park offers solace and sunshine for all-season runners - Culture
When chatting with fellow runners and joggers, a near-universal point of commiseration seems to be the difficulty of getting out the door and on the run in the winter months. For a hobby that leaves ....
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January 23, 2026 at 2:16 PM
For determined all-season runners, Meadowbrook Park in Urbana is the standout star among local trails. It has many of the amenities I look for in a winter route—designated shelters, wide, paved paths, ample parking, and plenty of direct sunlight.
You can check one out at BakeLab at Lodgic as part of their test driving events, then go grab a delicious pastry and a drink and learn about the future of vehicles.
I rode in a Rivian and you could, too - SPlog
Curious about the newest electric vehicle? I was, because the chances of me being able to afford one ever seem slim (but I’ll remain hopeful!). I was lucky enough to check one out at the ...
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January 23, 2026 at 2:13 PM
You can check one out at BakeLab at Lodgic as part of their test driving events, then go grab a delicious pastry and a drink and learn about the future of vehicles.
You can heat things up at CupcakKe's performance on February 13 at Canopy Club. Alternatively, if true crime comedy is more (or also) your style, be sure to check out Side Stories, the spinoff from the ultra-popular podcast, Last Podcast on the Left.
Leave the house for these live shows - SPlog
It can be hard to leave the house when the “feels like” is as low as the negatives. It makes you consider grocery deliveries and maybe taking some of those vacation savings and putting it ...
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January 23, 2026 at 2:01 PM
You can heat things up at CupcakKe's performance on February 13 at Canopy Club. Alternatively, if true crime comedy is more (or also) your style, be sure to check out Side Stories, the spinoff from the ultra-popular podcast, Last Podcast on the Left.
An ambitiously delicious Medieval-Times-meets-elegant-tapas dinner, the Downtown Champaign restaurant’s seven course meal was straight up fine feasting.
The Space's seven-course punk rock fine feasting - SPlog
When it comes to coursed dinners, The Space does not play around; the restaurant likes to show off. Last weekend, I attended The Space’s most recent punk rock prix fixe with my husband, and it ...
www.smilepolitely.com
January 23, 2026 at 1:56 AM
An ambitiously delicious Medieval-Times-meets-elegant-tapas dinner, the Downtown Champaign restaurant’s seven course meal was straight up fine feasting.
From longtime favorites to brand new restaurants, the list of participating businesses covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and drink offerings.
The menus making me hungry for Restaurant Week 2026 - Food & Drink
There are many restaurants, bars, and cafes celebrating Champaign-Urbana’s Restaurant Week 2026 from January 30 through February 7 . From longtime favorites to brand new restaurants, the list of parti...
www.smilepolitely.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:25 PM
From longtime favorites to brand new restaurants, the list of participating businesses covers breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert, and drink offerings.
Unfortunately, voters recently decided not to approve a very slight property tax increase to keep the shelter open. Without community support, it’s at risk of closing or severely scaling back services.
Attend a concert to support Strides Homeless Shelter - SPlog
With the extreme cold we’ve seen this winter, having a low barrier shelter is extremely important for keeping our unhoused neighbors safe. Unfortunately, voters recently decided not to approve a very ...
www.smilepolitely.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:24 PM
Unfortunately, voters recently decided not to approve a very slight property tax increase to keep the shelter open. Without community support, it’s at risk of closing or severely scaling back services.
Through social media accounts and colorful QR coded flyers taped to poles on Green Street, Wachtel's boots are on the ground to spread the word and grow the local hardcore scene.
Getting to know the local hardcore scene with Daniel Wachtel - Music
Daniel Wachtel is a powerhouse within the local hardcore music community. Through outlets such as social media accounts like Champaign-Urbana Hardcore on Instagram or colorful QR coded flyers taped to...
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January 22, 2026 at 5:23 PM
Through social media accounts and colorful QR coded flyers taped to poles on Green Street, Wachtel's boots are on the ground to spread the word and grow the local hardcore scene.
We better find something to keep us warm and cozy, and Alyssa knows just the drink.
Thirsty Thursday: Hot toddy at Punch! Bar & Lounge - SPlog
It’s been quite chilly, and I hear the coming days will only be colder, maybe even cold enough that trees explode. We probably better find something to keep us warm and cozy. I know just ...
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January 22, 2026 at 5:21 PM
We better find something to keep us warm and cozy, and Alyssa knows just the drink.
Holly Hughes and Katie Pearl are coming to Spurlock Museum for what promises to be a spirited and delightfully unruly conversation about everything polite society would rather not discuss.
Holly Hughes and Katie Pearl saying the unsayable at Spurlock - SPlog
Holly Hughes and Katie Pearl are coming to the U of Illinois’ Spurlock Museum for what promises to be a spirited and delightfully unruly conversation about everything polite society would rather not d...
www.smilepolitely.com
January 22, 2026 at 5:19 PM
Holly Hughes and Katie Pearl are coming to Spurlock Museum for what promises to be a spirited and delightfully unruly conversation about everything polite society would rather not discuss.
Don’t let the cold keep you inside and bored. Bundle up and check out all these exciting events this bitterly frigid January weekend.
The Weekender: January 23-25 - Culture
Don't let the cold keep you inside and bored. Bundle up and check out all these exciting events this bitterly frigid January weekend.
www.smilepolitely.com
January 22, 2026 at 3:39 PM
Don’t let the cold keep you inside and bored. Bundle up and check out all these exciting events this bitterly frigid January weekend.
This week, our Editorial Board channels Mr. Rogers and looking for the helpers. That is, we’re going to find some local good news to fortify us and give us hope for the weeks and months ahead.
Bison are back and other good news for tough times - Opinion
2026 is not off to a great start. We’re going to trust you don’t need us to spell out the many reasons, because even if you’re not chronically online chances are you know about the ...
www.smilepolitely.com
January 21, 2026 at 6:59 PM
This week, our Editorial Board channels Mr. Rogers and looking for the helpers. That is, we’re going to find some local good news to fortify us and give us hope for the weeks and months ahead.
Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) fosters the recreation of crafts and skills from the pre-17th century world. Sarah recaps the recent Festival of Maidens in Gifford.
History is inclusive at the Festival of Maidens - Culture
Have you ever wished you could opt out of modern life? Are you, like me, tired of the constant stream of notifications coming from your phone and wish you could go back to a time ...
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January 21, 2026 at 6:54 PM
Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA) fosters the recreation of crafts and skills from the pre-17th century world. Sarah recaps the recent Festival of Maidens in Gifford.
Illinois Soul is celebrating two years of amplifying Black voices and culture with a second anniversary concert featuring MAYSA, a Grammy-winning artist whose style blends smooth jazz with R&B sound.
Illinois Soul to celebrate anniversary with MAYSA - SPlog
WILL’S 101.1 FM Illinois Soul is celebrating two years of amplifying Black voices and culture with a second anniversary concert featuring MAYSA. For those who may be unfamiliar, the Grammy-winning art...
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January 21, 2026 at 6:45 PM
Illinois Soul is celebrating two years of amplifying Black voices and culture with a second anniversary concert featuring MAYSA, a Grammy-winning artist whose style blends smooth jazz with R&B sound.
The coffee shop expanded last spring—more seating, a great community room, and expanded wall space that cries out for more art—and they’re looking for artists to display work.
Espresso Royale wants your art (and so do I) - SPlog
Point of personal privilege here: Espresso Royale at Village Green has lately been my office, my sanctuary, my third space between teaching Humanities at Parkland, wrestling Romeo and Juliet into subm...
www.smilepolitely.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:48 AM
The coffee shop expanded last spring—more seating, a great community room, and expanded wall space that cries out for more art—and they’re looking for artists to display work.
Whether your interest lies with visual arts, live performance, or literature, we’d love to add your voice to the mix.
Write about the arts for Smile Politely - SPlog
Whether it’s visual or performing arts, theatre, literature, or film, Champaign-Urbana has always nurtured a vibrant arts community. We are looking for new contributors for our Arts section: You can s...
www.smilepolitely.com
January 21, 2026 at 1:47 AM
Whether your interest lies with visual arts, live performance, or literature, we’d love to add your voice to the mix.
The Urbana Park District and Champaign County Forest Preserve District have a lot to celebrate after being granted over one million dollars to improve parks in the 103rd district.
Over a million dollars were just rewarded to our parks - SPlog
The Urbana Park District and Champaign County Forest Preserve District have a lot to celebrate after being granted over one million dollars to improve parks in the 103rd district. The Nature Center Ga...
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January 20, 2026 at 8:05 PM
The Urbana Park District and Champaign County Forest Preserve District have a lot to celebrate after being granted over one million dollars to improve parks in the 103rd district.
For years, we have wished for Ethiopian food in C-U, and now it is here with the opening of Blue Ethiopian Cuisine.
Go get sïga bäyaynätu at Blue Ethiopian Cuisine - Food & Drink
For years, we have wished for Ethiopian food in Champaign-Urbana, and now it is here with the opening of Blue Ethiopian Cuisine. The area’s inaugural Ethiopian restaurant had its soft launch over the ...
www.smilepolitely.com
January 20, 2026 at 8:03 PM
For years, we have wished for Ethiopian food in C-U, and now it is here with the opening of Blue Ethiopian Cuisine.
The program will match university students with members of the Champaign-Urbana community for some good, old-fashioned handwritten communication.
Be a pen pal with a University of Illinois student - SPlog
The University of Illinois Library and International Education are partnering up to bring a new Pen Pal Program initiative to the community. The program will match university students with members of ...
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January 20, 2026 at 8:02 PM
The program will match university students with members of the Champaign-Urbana community for some good, old-fashioned handwritten communication.
40 North is hunting for the visual that’ll plaster itself across every postcard, billboard, and festival guide come this spring — the official signature image for the Boneyard Arts Festival.
2026 Boneyard signature image deadline approaches - SPlog
40 North is hunting for the visual that’ll plaster itself across every postcard, billboard, and festival guide come this spring—the official signature image for the Boneyard Arts Festival, April 10-12...
www.smilepolitely.com
January 20, 2026 at 3:41 PM
40 North is hunting for the visual that’ll plaster itself across every postcard, billboard, and festival guide come this spring — the official signature image for the Boneyard Arts Festival.
It might be a short week, but we’re definitely not short on things to do. Grab a friend and head out to enjoy food, drinks, theatre, and more.
The Week: January 20-22 - Culture
It might be a short week, but we're definitely not short on things to do. Grab a friend and head out to enjoy food, drinks, theatre, and more.
www.smilepolitely.com
January 20, 2026 at 2:34 PM
It might be a short week, but we’re definitely not short on things to do. Grab a friend and head out to enjoy food, drinks, theatre, and more.
United Way of Champaign County's program Books with Barbers equips barbers with literacy training, books for their shops, and a positive impact in the world of literacy.
Putting books in the hands of barbers - SPlog
United Way of Champaign County recognizes that barbershops have long been cultural hubs built on connection and lasting relationships in African American communities. Their program Books with Barbers ...
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January 16, 2026 at 3:20 PM
United Way of Champaign County's program Books with Barbers equips barbers with literacy training, books for their shops, and a positive impact in the world of literacy.
We hope that continuing to publish about things happening in C-U and the surrounding areas can give you space for joy, as well as comfort and a sense of community.
We hope you find community here - SPlog
We are only two weeks into the year and already things feel heavy, and, dare I say, dire. I know this community is deeply troubled by what we’re seeing play out on the national stage. Things ...
www.smilepolitely.com
January 16, 2026 at 3:18 PM
We hope that continuing to publish about things happening in C-U and the surrounding areas can give you space for joy, as well as comfort and a sense of community.
We currently reside in a part of the state that used to be an epicenter for bicycle manufacturing.
This book makes me want to ride my bicycle - SPlog
Bicycles are great. I fancy a bike jaunt just as much as the next person–frequently to the neighborhood cafe in the summer. However, I didn’t know that I currently reside in a part of the ...
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January 16, 2026 at 3:14 PM
We currently reside in a part of the state that used to be an epicenter for bicycle manufacturing.
Whether you’re angling for new gigs, hunting gear upgrades, or just curious what goes into making movies in Central Illinois, Flyover’s inaugural Filmmakers Expo has you covered.
Still time to catch Flyover's film expo this Saturday - SPlog
Whether you’re angling for new gigs, hunting gear upgrades, or just curious what goes into making movies in Central Illinois, Flyover’s inaugural Filmmakers Expo has you covered. It’s all happening th...
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January 15, 2026 at 8:26 PM
Whether you’re angling for new gigs, hunting gear upgrades, or just curious what goes into making movies in Central Illinois, Flyover’s inaugural Filmmakers Expo has you covered.